Great Curio Cabinets!

Many of us have fond memories of trekking over to grandma’s house on holidays for a big, extravagant family dinner. Not only was Grandmas cooking the best, but her house always smelled so unique and had such exotic items in it. We especially remember the curio cabinet, stuffed with little antique items and maybe a handmade doll or two. Curio cabinets seemed like magical realms, and the fact that the contents were strictly off limits to little ones like ourselves made them all the more fascinating.

Now we are grown up with families of our own. Maybe we even have a few items from grandma’s old curio cabinet safely displayed atop the fireplace mantle or on a bookshelf in the bedroom. In addition to those antique treasures, we now have some special items of our own that must be protected from the kid’s curious hands. We think back to the elegant practicality of that old glass-enclosed cabinet and wish we had one of our own. However, didn’t such things go out with reruns of “Leave It to Beaver”?

Not at all! Curio cabinets have come a long way since the 1950s. Modern cabinets are available in a variety of materials and colors, from classic heavy wood frames with lush finishes to modern steel towers of glass and chrome. Black curio cabinets are simple, elegant, and modern. Many feature interior lights to spotlight our precious keepsakes and conversation pieces. Some are even available with sturdy locks to discourage those who are a little fuzzy on the meaning of ‘look but do not touch’. Whether your tastes run toward traditional or ultra-modern, there is a cabinet available to fit any decor and budget. However, choosing one should not be taken lightly…you are not only making a monetary investment, but you will be creating memories for your own children and grandchildren every bit as strong as your own.

Aside from the physical style, the size of your new cabinet must be carefully considered. You want it to be full, but not stuffed. A good starting point is to take everything you would like to display and lay it all out on an empty table. Arrange it the way you would like it to be displayed and measure the maximum width of each row and count how many shelves you will need. Be sure to include a little extra space for new items you might add in the future. When it comes to curio cabinets, it is always better to go a little larger than you need than a bit smaller.

Armed with these calculations, you are ready to go shopping for a place to display those magical items that will live on in your own grandchildren’s imaginations for generations to come.